The Forgiveness Tree Project

$11,065.00

Raised of $7,000 goal.

158%

Funded

154

Supporters

0

Days Left

This campaign ended on
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014

A big thanks to all of our donors who helped us raise
158% of our goal! With the funds raised, we were able to train groups of
forgiveness facilitators to promote safe forms of conflict resolution in a
schools, neighborhoods, and organizations. If you would still like to
contribute to the Forgiveness Tree Project, gifts can now be made here: http://asufoundation.org/forgiveness

To all of our supporters:

We so appreciate your faith in us and our Forgiveness Tree project.

Just 30 days ago we launched this campaign with nothing more than a personal belief that our society could be, should be, more forgiving. And we had a hunch that you might share that commitment.

Now, more than a $11,000 and 150 supporters later, we are moving ahead with the confidence and resources you have provided. Already we are launching a new wave of Forgiveness Tree Ceremonies, with one focused on Pinal County jail inmates and their families, and another on an inner-city Phoenix neighborhood.

Thanks to the seeds you have planted, we feel certain that our project will grow and spread across our community. And we will keep you posted on our progress.

All the best,

--The Forgiveness Tree Project team

Celebrating with Friends 8 to
80! Campaign Continues!

We are celebrating the success of The Forgiveness Tree
Project because of you! Our leadership
team, champions, donors, and advocates are making this a sensation! In just two weeks, 105 of youhave donated $7580! That is 108% of our goal and we are still
going strong! We hear your message:
Forgiveness education is important!
In response, we are expanding our project to reach more schools and
community groups. All new donations will
support these additional Forgiveness Tree Ceremonies. We are humbled by
you. Thank you so much!

We particularly love hearing about how forgiveness moves all
of you. Two stories from the past week
have truly moved our team. After
watching The Forgiveness Tree video
with her dad, eight-year old Mackenzie,
pleaded to make her own contribution.
She shared with her proud dad, “Forgiveness is about love and family, to show how
much they need each other. Now we can
show our love and needs for others that need help in this world.” Out
of the mouths of babes.Thank you, Mackenzie!

Worldly and wise, an 80-year
old Forgiveness Tree donor of California was also moved by our quest. After watching the video, he turned to his
wife and said, “We need to support
them.” Thank you for donating and
sharing your story!

We’d love to hear more from all of you! The testimony and
support of each supporter is truly awe-inspiring!
With your help, we hope to grow forgiveness trees
everywhere! Helping People Forgive

The Forgiveness Tree Project teaches how forgiveness can be an empowering and constructive alternative to bitterness, anger, bullying, and violence.

By sponsoring a Forgiveness Tree Ceremony you will help us train groups
of forgiveness facilitators to promote safe forms of conflict resolution
in a school, neighborhood, or organization.

Your Support Will Make a Concrete Difference!

Please join our community of supporters.

Your gift will help kids and adults learn to practice forgiveness in their own schools and communities.

"Seed money" raised in this campaign will help fund demonstration projects in local schoolsand community organizations. We will then seek financial support from philanthropies and other funding sources.

ASU faculty are donating their time and expertise to this project. Funds raised by this campaign are used to support training in our community.

Why Forgiveness Matters

Research conducted at ASU tells us that people who learn to seek and grant forgiveness for harmful behavior are less angry, isolated, and violent.

Forgiveness is also a "teachable" process. It requires holding people accountable for the harm they cause and the use of five key communication practices. Learning how to forgive helps people let go of bitterness, grudges, and the desire for revenge. The result can be more respectful and peaceful relationships.

We have pilot tested the Forgiveness Tree ceremony. We were encouraged that 130 community members applied forgiveness principles in their own relationships. With seed money raised in this campaign we will conduct demonstration projects in five school and community centers and launch our effort to attract large-scale funding.

We Appreciate Your Financial Help!How it Works

Step 1:Teach forgiveness principles

Step 2: Participants privately reflect and write on "leaves" what they learned about forgiveness

Step 3: Members place leaves on their forgiveness tree, in a prominent community location

Step 4: The forgiveness tree serves as an enduring reminder to the community about its commitment to grow forgiveness

Step 5: Trained community leaders and members model forgiving behavior and encourage others to use it as an alternative to aggression, bullying, and revenge.

What We Teach About Forgiveness

We teach that forgiveness is (a) a process that holds
ourselves and other community members accountable for hurtful acts, (b) a
free and conscious decision to let go of the justifiable desire to
seek retribution and the negative emotions that typically go with it, and
(c) a commitment to create relationships that are safe, just, and mutually
respectful for all parties. We make clear (d) that forgiveness and reconciliation are distinct but related concepts.

Specific cognitive and communication strategies are
taught, including how to: be accountable, express
remorse, verbalize emotions, develop empathy, seek forgiveness, grant forgiveness, and
focus on the future rather than the past.

3. Using a "train-the-trainer" model we will
train students, human services professionals, and faith community
leaders to hold Forgiveness Tree ceremonies in their
communities.

Why We Teach About Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a constructive response to the hurt most
people experience (and cause) at some time in their lives.

Worthington, E. L.,
Jr. (2001/2013). Five steps to
forgiveness: The art and science of forgiving. New York, NY: Crown Publishers.

Thank You For Your Faith in The Forgiveness Tree Project

Published on
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 at 02:52 PM (MST)

To all of our supporters:

We so appreciate your faith in us and our Forgiveness Tree project.

Just 30 days ago we launched this campaign with nothing more than a personal belief that our society could be, should be, more forgiving. And we had a hunch that you might share that commitment.

Now, more than a $11,000 and 150 supporters later, we are moving ahead with the confidence and resources you have provided. Already we are launching a new wave of Forgiveness Tree Ceremonies, with one focused on Pinal County jail inmates and their families, and another on an inner-city Phoenix neighborhood.

Thanks to the seeds you have planted, we feel certain that our project will grow and spread across our community. And we will keep you posted on our progress.

All the best,

--The Forgiveness Tree Project team

The Forgiveness Tree in Northlight Art Gallery! YOU Make a Difference! Last Week to Donate!

Published on
Monday, Feb. 3, 2014 at 09:59 PM (MST)

We
are thrilled to announce that Northlight
Art Gallery is hosting a Forgiveness Tree Ceremony during the month of March, when it will also
feature the work of artist Jane Lindsay. Jane’s work is inspired by her passion
in the criminal justice system. In fact, we received word last week that inmates in the Pinal County Adult
Detention Center will be making the leaves for our Northlight Art Gallery
ceremony! The Forgiveness Tree will
remain in a public area so that passersby can “add” leaves to The Forgiveness
Tree. Thank YOU for helping make this
profound event possible! Please
share this news with friends and family and help us finish strong! Last week to donate!

Celebrating with Friends 8 to 80! Campaign Continues!

Published on
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014 at 03:36 AM (MST)

We are celebrating the success of The Forgiveness Tree
Project because of you! Our leadership
team, champions, donors, and advocates are making this a sensation! In just two weeks, 105 of youhave donated $7580! That is 108% of our goal and we are still
going strong! We hear your message:
Forgiveness education is important!
In response, we are expanding our project to reach more schools and
community groups. All new donations will
support these additional Forgiveness Tree Ceremonies. We are humbled by
you. Thank you so much!

We particularly love hearing about how forgiveness moves all
of you. Two stories from the past week
have truly moved our team. After
watching The Forgiveness Tree video
with her dad, eight-year old Mackenzie,
pleaded to make her own contribution.
She shared with her proud dad, “Forgiveness is about love and family, to show how
much they need each other. Now we can
show our love and needs for others that need help in this world.” Out
of the mouths of babes.Thank you, Mackenzie!Worldly and wise, an 80-year
old Forgiveness Tree donor of California was also moved by our quest. After watching the video, he turned to his
wife and said, “We need to support
them.” Thank you for donating and
sharing your story!

We’d love to hear more from all of you! The testimony and
support of each supporter is truly awe-inspiring!
With your help, we hope to grow forgiveness trees
everywhere! Help us make this happen by continuing to donate and spread in your networks!

Weekend Update!

Published on
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 at 10:29 PM (MST)

Your support for this project continues to stun our
team! Thank you! Every dollar above our first phase goal will directly
facilitate additional forgiveness tree planting ceremonies. Thank you for
continuing to support The Forgiveness Tree Project and for sharing the news in
your social networks!

Thank You For An Outstanding Week One!!

Published on
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014 at 03:53 PM (MST)

We are thrilled to report that The Forgiveness Tree Project
is already 71% funded with 65 supporters!!
Your generosity during this first week has been stunning! You have donated $4,975 and we expect to
reach and surpass our goal of $7,000! Our team is humbled by your support and hopeful that we will continue
our pursuit to spread forgiveness education.
Thank you for supporting and continuing to share in your networks!

Gave $150.00

John Waldron

Gave $25.00

Alex and Eva Zautra

Gave $100.00

Vince Waldron

Gave $200.00

Melissa Weimer

Gave $50.00

Joyce Kloeber

Gave $50.00

Peter Kloeber

Gave $50.00

Dave Kloeber

Gave $100.00

Eric Pottle

Gave $100.00

21 supporters have chosen not to be listed for "The Forgiveness Tree Project".

Make an Impact

Supporter

Give $10

Join our community of supporters. Your gift is a sign that you support our commitment to provide forgiveness education in community settings.

Planter: Sow the seeds

Give $25

Purchase the supplies needed to construct a Forgiveness Tree at a community site

Nurturer: Help it Grow

Give $50

Fund training materials for community members so they can learn to facilitate Forgiveness Tree Projects in their own communities.

Cultivator: Help our students grow

Give $100

Support an ASU student who is learning to be a co-facilitator of Forgiveness Tree Planting Ceremonies.
Student facilitators complete training on forgiveness. They are supervised by ASU faculty and trained staff.

Site steward: Sponsor a ceremony at a site of your choice

Give $500

Sponsor a Forgiveness Tree Ceremony at a school or community site of your choice. You locate a willing community partner and we provide the training.

Forester: Make it sustainable

Give $1,000

Fund a "train-the-trainer" session to prepare community members to be Forgiveness Project facilitators. Working in their own communities, they will magnify our efforts and teach others.